Thursday, May 29, 2008

Cooper for Spain

Cooper and Brian Ching played on the same field Wednesday as FC Dallas hosted Houston. Cooper scored a goal in the 2-2 draw, and it really was an awesome goal. The long ball was splendid from Pablo Richetti but Cooper's touch, poise and finish were sublime.

Ching, meanwhile, was involved in both of Houston's goals. He did assist on the first one but his lack of aggressiveness in the box on that play is troubling. He slipped the ball to Corey Ashe but he shouldn't have let it go that far. He should have buried it. On the equalizer, Ching had problems getting to the ball. Such lack of aggression could be disastrous for a striker.

While Ching had the experience - World Cup, Gold Cup, WC qualifiers - Cooper has the talent and intangibles necessary to be a force. Throw him into the mix against Spain from the start and see what happens. After all, we already know what we can expect from Eddie Johnson, Josh Wolff and Brian Ching.

Cooper starting against Spain would be a boon for FC Dallas. Right now they have how many guys getting playing time with the USMNT?

I'm with you, Luis. Cooper is the only US forward currently playing himself into contention, the rest are relying on past accomplishments which are becoming increasingly irrelevant with each Cooper strike.

I'd like to see Cooper in Spain, but I think in order for him to be a real benefit to the nats he needs to develop his game as a target forward. Then he could play up top with LD behind him and we could put Duece on the wing.

There will be a big difference for any striker going against this Spanish team than against England. First, Spain has Iker Casillas in goal, then England may be known for its defensive line-up (at least from left to right center) but Spain has Puyol and Sergio Ramos, who few compare to at this point, as well as more choices for the other two spots. They are also better at possession and, even though I thought the U.S. wasn't bad at getting the ball back on Wednesday , that's going to be a much different story next week. The fact that the Spanish players are capable of a more fluid formation, makes them even more difficult -- when they are on. Last but not least they have Fernando Torres who is not only so tremendous on attack, but adds protection in the midfield as well.

Does anyone know why the U.S. had seven less players dress on Wed, was it Bradley's decision or a communication problem? Maybe having more choices in Donovan's absence would help.